Petrie wins Honokaa grudge match

By KEVIN JAKAHI

Tribune-Herald sports writer

Russell Strong’s $10 ticket Unorthodox Industries Championship mixed martial arts 18-fight card was simply a home run, featuring nonstop action from start to finish, and a full house at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

The biggest roars on Saturday night from the sardine-packed crowd of more than 3,200 were reserved for the 185-pound grudge match between Kaiah Petrie and Eddie Rodrigues, a pair of angry hornets from Honokaa.

Rodrigues, a former Honokaa High boys basketball coach, defended Petrie’s first takedown attempt and got the fight back to the feet. But it didn’t stay there for long.

Petrie was persistent and tried another takedown, which showed the risk-reward of sticking one’s head out. Petrie got Rodrigues to the floor, but his head was in a guillotine.

However, Petrie was also patient and eventually popped his head out. From there, he worked his way to a full mount and a few twists and turns later, sunk his legs in and had Rodrigues’ back.

Petrie, a black belt in jiujitsu, tightened the screws on his rear-naked choke and got the tapout with 2:12 left in the first round, and immediately showed humility, bowing and extending a handshake.

He got a brush-off, walked around the cage trailing Rodrigues and extended a second handshake. Both fighters shook hands and had a brief hug, hopefully ending the hostilities between the two – until a possible rematch.

The knockout of the night came in the 125-pound tournament when Reed Akashi smashed a right hook to Jayson Dumaoal’s chin right at the bell in the second round.

In the other 125 bout, Justin Cook eliminated Dustin Ah Chong with an arm-bar with 2:06 remaining in the first round. Cook set up the submission with a Muay Thai clinch and knees, which led to a takedown, side control and an opportunity to punish Ah Chong’s arm.

Akashi and Cook will fight in the next UIC card March 17 on Maui. The winner will collide with Keenin Cohen in a pro fight.

In the 170 title fight, Pono Kuikahi defeated Shayne Nozaki by referee stoppage with 49 seconds to go in the first round for the vacant belt.

Kuikahi caught Nozaki with a left hook to the chin, bull-rushed him to the floor, and cranked hammer fists before the stoppage.

In the 155 title fight, Miles Campbell defended his championship with a three-round decision over Nue Kahele.

Campbell had the better of the ground game, and the second round highlighted his good work. He sprawled a takedown attempt, had Kahele on his back then lost position and Kahele gained side control.

But Campbell fought his way out and established half-guard on Kahele and landed a few punches, picking up enough valuable points at the bell.

In the main event, “Rootless” Daniel Friend landed harder blows from his feet and on the ground for the unanimous three-round decision over Ian Dela Cuesta.

In other bouts:

— 155: Kawika “Tips” Martin defeated Ryan Dela Cruz, first-round rear-naked choke, 2:45.

— 170: Jamerson Kekaualua def. Jayson Irving, first-round rear-naked choke, :53.

— 125: Kolten Quevedo def. Ikaika Rodrigues, forfeit after fighter failed to come out for second round. Rodrigues left the cage limping on his right leg.

— 195: Ashton Castro def. Panekire Naungayan, first-round guillotine, 2:27.

— 195: Rob Midel def. Kris Miranda, first-round referee stoppage, 1:52.

— 145: Pete Videl def. Bronson Barrozo, second-round decision.

— 160: Pablo Garcia def. Bryson Murata, second-round arm-bar, :33.

— Super heavyweight: Kimo Luis def. Pati Faava, third-round technical knockout, :43.

— 145: Dean Baltero def. Terrance Ah Puck, second-round KO. Ah Puck charged from the start and Baltero caught him on a counter while backpedaling.

— 130: Tyler Leopoldino def. Kevin Villanueva, second-round corner stoppage.

— Heavyweight: Elswood Noeau def. James Clark, first-round referee stoppage, 2:59.

— Chris Shaw def. David McKinney, first-round referee stoppage, 1:53.